Aston Villa to open football academy in India

Aston Villa are all set to launch their first academy in India. The announcement was made in a press conference on Monday, 26th July 2016 where the club owner, Dr. Tony Xia was present alongside Indian government officials - Vijay Goel, Minister of Youth Affaris and Sports and Prakash Javedekar, HRD Minister.

Xia was quoted saying, "Aston Villa Football Club, one of the most successful football clubs in the history of English football, plans to expand globally and India is one of the countries where Aston Villa not only wants to have an ISL club but also open football academies all over India".

The objective of the academy is to provide a platform for the young talents to grow and hence helping the national team to challenge in the International arena more competitively. The academy will have state of the art facilities where young children from the age of 5 will be trained and nurtured. The club also would also help in promoting the 2017 U-17 World Cup to be held in India.

Aston Villa are one of the most successful English clubs having won the European Cup(now known as UEFA Champions League) in 1981-82 defeating Bayern Munich in the finals. Their trophy cabinet boasts of 7 First Division titles, 7 FA Cup titles and 5 League Cups. Aston Villa were relegated to Championship, second tier of English football last season. Dr. Tony Jiangtong Xia purchased the club from American owner Randy Lerner in June 2016.

About
Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!